Research Chemist

Job Title: Research Chemist

Location: Glascoed, Onsite

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: £45,177

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

As a Research Chemist, you will play a key role in developing and applying scientific methods, analytical approaches and evidence‑based toolsets to advance our understanding of energetic materials and systems under the Smart Qualification initiative. You will work within the Engineering Analysis and Smart Qualification Team, collaborating closely with project engineers, data specialists, trial leads and other internal and external stakeholders.

Core duties:

• Work with stakeholders to identify, test, and deploy scientific methods and digital Smart Qualification tools
• Develop or adapt laboratory methods to generate data improving prediction of energetic material behaviours
• Provide scientific input to UK MoD projects, including laboratory work, characterisation, planning and trials
• Support organisational expansion of Smart Qualification principles across new products and development programmes
• Engage academia, research partners and industry to identify emerging methods, technologies and qualification evidence
• Prepare high-quality technical reports and evidence summaries supporting engineering decisions and senior reviews
• Provide ad-hoc scientific expertise supporting project needs and evolving qualification requirements

Essential Skills:

• Degree or higher in relevant scientific discipline (Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics)
• Experience in laboratory testing, materials characterisation, supporting trials or method development
• Understanding of Thermodynamics and Reaction Kinetics
• Experience with scientific analysis techniques, data interpretation and materials characterisation
• Considerable technical report writing and ability to present complex information to senior stakeholders

SMART Qualification Test & Evaluation Team:

This role provides an excellent opportunity to grow your technical capability in a niche, rapidly modernising domain at the forefront of evidence‑driven qualification. You will contribute to the design, execution and interpretation of analyses, laboratory activities and small-scale trials that support the transition from traditional qualification approaches to Smart, data‑centred methodologies.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 21st May 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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